How often/much do you app?

[lg8302ch]

I was a really bad girl in 2013 as I added 100K additional credit with 7 new cards...feel that was the limit for me. After my Arrival approval I decided to behave a little better and add 1 card every 6 months only. We will see how that will turn out on my next app for Sallie Mae in June if declined then I will go for the next on my wishlist .

[fot1]

I will app 2-3 times every year or so.. But i like to be consevative so I know i will get eveything I app for..

[Open123]

These days, only app when there's something compelling.

The past several years, I've app'ed for about 3 cards every 4 months or so.  Never experienced AA, but all apps were pending review, except for Chase (except business cards), Amex and Citi which have always been instant approvals.

When it's a card I know will only be app'ed for the bonus, I always have them reduce the CL to $5K, even before I receive it for activation. I've always been keen on keeping available CLs low, except on cards I actually charge on, such as Chase and Amex cards.

*Edited*  For instance, since Discover, US Bank Cash+ and Freedom (1.10 isn't enough for me for non bonus spend), I don't see a reason for CLs above their $1,500 and $2,000 rewards Caps.  Obviously, I will *NEVER* spend on any of the cards unless it's the 5% bonus; so, I have each at $5K.

[indiolatino61]

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@red259 wrote:

Since I am still laying the foundation of my credit report (have six cards at the moment). I have been trying to keep my app cycles to once every six months or so and no more than 3 to 4 cards at a time. I have read about people applying for four credit cards every 91 days and was wondering what practice everyone uses namely, how often do you apply for cards and when you apply how many do you usually go for in one cycle?

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I do one or two every six months, but there will come a time where I won't need any more cards...yeah, right...lol....

[krial]

Now that I have some credit established to work with, my plan is to keep my inquiries down to a maximum of 1 per CRA per 6 month time period. Technically this would allow me 6 apps a year, and keep my inquiries down to 2 per year per report.

Obviously less would be better to let the current lines age and grow more, but this much would allow me ample room for new cards with perks that would be useful, interest free periods, decent signup bonuses, etc.

It also won't tax any of my reports so that I can be much more likely to get approved for cards when I do decide to app for them.

[Dw4250]

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@red259 wrote:

Since I am still laying the foundation of my credit report (have six cards at the moment). I have been trying to keep my app cycles to once every six months or so and no more than 3 to 4 cards at a time. I have read about people applying for four credit cards every 91 days and was wondering what practice everyone uses namely, how often do you apply for cards and when you apply how many do you usually go for in one cycle?

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There's no definitive answer to this question.  I just went on an "app spree" where I netted 5 new cards, a PC, two CLI's and a new car this month.  But I only had one unsecured card (and two secured cards) in my wallet.  So the purpose of the spree was to build my portfolio quickly, and then let them grow "organically".  For me, that will most likely be my one and only app spree.  I may add a couple down the road as my credit profile strengthens (US Bank Cash+ and CSP come to mind), but I would probably close/SD one of my existing accounts in its place. 

Personally, I think less cards (with higher CL's) are way better than beaucoup cards with smaller limits...I can't imagine trying to manage 15-20+ different cards at a time.  But this board offers daily testimony that many people can and do manage large volumes of cards very successfully.  As enharu and others mentioned, be careful not to overstretch yourself as your banks are constantly monitoring your credit behavior via SP, and you do not want to leave yourself open to an AA/CLD.

Bottom line, you should always ask the question: Do I need this card?  If you do, and your scores are good, go for it!  If you can't find a reason for it, then hold off.  The worst reason to app for a new card would be just 'cause it's been six months......... 

[BigBS]

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@Dw4250 wrote:

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@red259 wrote:

Since I am still laying the foundation of my credit report (have six cards at the moment). I have been trying to keep my app cycles to once every six months or so and no more than 3 to 4 cards at a time. I have read about people applying for four credit cards every 91 days and was wondering what practice everyone uses namely, how often do you apply for cards and when you apply how many do you usually go for in one cycle?

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There's no definitive answer to this question.  I just went on an "app spree" where I netted 5 new cards, a PC, two CLI's and a new car this month.  But I only had one unsecured card (and two secured cards) in my wallet.  So the purpose of the spree was to build my portfolio quickly, and then let them grow "organically".  For me, that will most likely be my one and only app spree.  I may add a couple down the road as my credit profile strengthens (US Bank Cash+ and CSP come to mind), but I would probably close/SD one of my existing accounts in its place. 

Personally, I think less cards (with higher CL's) are way better than beaucoup cards with smaller limits...I can't imagine trying to manage 15-20+ different cards at a time.  But this board offers daily testimony that many people can and do manage large volumes of cards very successfully.  As enharu and others mentioned, be careful not to overstretch yourself as your banks are constantly monitoring your credit behavior via SP, and you do not want to leave yourself open to an AA/CLD.

Bottom line, you should always ask the question: Do I need this card?  If you do, and your scores are good, go for it!  If you can't find a reason for it, then hold off.  The worst reason to app for a new card would be just 'cause it's been six months......... 

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Very good advice.  I did not mention in my previous post that since Feb I have applied for 7 CCs (Gold AMEX Delta Skymiles, Barclay Arrival WMC, DISCOVER it, 2 x CU CCs, and 2 x Shopping Cart Trick CCs) which is the reason for going to the garden.  Debated with some of the last ones did I really need them with the members of the board, but can now honestly say I don't need anymore.  Time to let everything gro.

[CreditScholar]

I will usually apply for 1 card a year, perhaps 2 if there's a very compelling offer. As a general rule I will apply under the following circumstances:

1. There is a card that I really want which is either new, or is superior to something I currently have.

2. If a signup bonus is big enough. My current threshold for this is 100k, and I won't bite unless its that high. As I consume the available 100k offers out there, then I might reduce my threshold to 70-75k, but for now I know the Amex plat and BA offers are on my list for this year/early next year. I blame Open and enharu!

[eddie84]

I don't app anymore since I have most of the cards that I want.   Unless something with a really good signup bonus comes along then yeah.  Other than that I'm pretty content with my current lineup.  

[red259]

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@eddie84 wrote:

I don't app anymore since I have most of the cards that I want.   Unless something with a really good signup bonus comes along then yeah.  Other than that I'm pretty content with my current lineup.  

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I kind of look forward to the day I have all the cards I want. On the other hand that day would be depressing, because it would mean no more signup offers are out there that I want!